Manchester United returned to reverse gear as they failed to beat relegation threatened Burnley as they played a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford
Goalkeeper Andre Onana cost his side victory as Zeki Amdouni converted a late penalty to grab a priceless point for Burnley
Despite another unconvincing display from Erik ten Hag’s men, they did look set for victory thanks to Antony’s well-taken 79th-minute effort.
But, just as he did on the opening day against Wolves, Onana recklessly charged from his line in an attempt to punch the ball clear but hit an opposition player instead.
Although referee John Brooks missed the incident in real time, unlike against Wolves the video assistant referee, Peter Bankes, stepped in. Substitute Amdouni recovered from being on the wrong end of Onana’s fist to send the keeper the wrong way.
The result moved Burnley to within two points of fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest, whom they play at Turf Moor on the final day of the season.
United are still to win successive league games since February and, with new technical director Jason Wilcox watching on, boos from the home fans greeted the final whistle, although they were not as loud as the ones triggered by Ten Hag’s decision to take off teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo after 65 minutes.
This result – and the overall performance – was not a powerful argument in the debate raging outside Old Trafford about Ten Hag’s future.
That conversation includes the Dutchman’s transfer dealings.
It was the Ten Hag who pushed for Antony in the last days of the 2022 summer transfer window.
United eventually paid Ajax £82m for the 24-year-old, making him the second most expensive player in the club’s history behind Paul Pogba. The return of five league goals and three assists does not reflect well on anyone who sanctioned the move.
There was a feeling in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s time that the winger was worth pursuing but only if the transfer fee was around £30m.
